Fionna will be going to my sister (who has been flirting with the Kishu breed for a while) this winter, but until then, she's staying with me! I'll post pictures as she grows. :)

So far, Fionna is a little more cautious than her brothers when it comes to meeting new people, but she is inquisitive and warms up easily. My goal with her will be getting her excited to see people, like her brothers were when they were with me. My sister lives in Seattle and wants to bike/hike with her, but also wants to be able to take her out and about like Nami can do with me.

This is going to be her first dog as an adult, but she's used to my guys and we both grew up with "difficult" dogs. I think she and Fionna will be a good match.

She's so cute! The picture of her in the pool is super adorable. If only Meitou like his pool as much. ;)

1 Human + 1 HokkaidoRIP Amy (Border Collie)

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.

This. Her face says "Hello kind Sir/Madam. Do you happen to have a treat? May I have one or five, please?"

She's so adorable. And her ears look giant. Are they?

1 Human + 1 HokkaidoRIP Amy (Border Collie)

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.

LOL She looks like she found something to get dirty with in that first pic. :) And I love the second one.

1 Human + 1 HokkaidoRIP Amy (Border Collie)

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.

She's really starting to look for "fun things" to do while we're out and turning into quite the little hunter! Russell pointed out a little den (the last picture) and they tried to dig out whatever was in there before I chased them off of it...

Then, when we got to the pond, she realized that the frogs were jumping in as Russell ran into the water-- so she had a blast pouncing on them.

Ultimately, she found a turtle in the mud at some point and decided to plow her face through ALL of the mud to try and fish out more. She's really a fun little girl.

She's SUPER fast, too. She was keeping up with Russell the whole time. He was jogging, not sprinting or anything, but she's so tiny, I didn't expect it.

LOL Fionna. So much mud. Meitou is like that. If there is dirt or mud he can roll in, he does it. It's almost like it is a white dog thing, lol. Fionna is looking great!

1 Human + 1 HokkaidoRIP Amy (Border Collie)

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.

She's getting so long and skinny! I really like that second pic of her.

1 Human + 1 HokkaidoRIP Amy (Border Collie)

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.

Oh, if I could have all the dogs I want I would scoop her right up and add her to the Hiking Team with the Kai! But the only dog adding on here will be either a great mate for Matsu, or one of his pups someday.

Aww, I know. If my sister doesn't take her, I kind of hope I can find a cooperative home for her in New England or the North East. I'd like to keep some Kishu on this side of the country when I move to Portland.

Wait. Porltand, Portland? Or one of those other Portlands on the other side of the country? I feel like this is something I want to know.

And Fionna is super cute as always, even when slathered in mud. :)

1 Human + 1 HokkaidoRIP Amy (Border Collie)

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.

@WhoBitMe - I'm moving to Portland, OR next year. Probably sooner rather than later. Maybe March. Maybe earlier. It's up in the air. Kind of "whenever I feel I have enough money to move without needing a job in the first two months."

@Knichtus - Thank you! :) She's a doll. She's been a lot of fun to watch from birth to now and it's been an awesome experience. I think Kishu have a great, active, solid temperament - much more confident (on average, but maybe not in general) than the other NK I've seen in action.

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.

Hello, Fionna!I love that picture. I think I might be in love with her~

1 Human + 1 HokkaidoRIP Amy (Border Collie)

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.

She's already bigger than Nami? Maybe you've said before and I just don't recall, but is Nami average size for a Kishu or small? Or a giant? ;) Just wondering if Fionna is particularly big or not.

And why must Fionna be so pretty? Not fair, lol.

1 Human + 1 HokkaidoRIP Amy (Border Collie)

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.

@WhoBitMe - Fionna will probably be an average size. She's about 30 pounds now and a little bit taller than Nami. Nami is tiny for a Kishu - she's a little bigger than my friend's male Shiba (who is the top of the standard).

My sister still hasn't really told me if she can keep Fionna or not yet. I've been holding on to her because she was supposed to sort out a leasing issue with her apartment, but there's been some disagreement... I can't say for sure, but I may be trying to find a new home for Fionna before I move to Oregon in March... I want to keep holding onto her, but I want to import another pup from Japan and I don't want to end up keeping a pup from Nami's first litter. :(

If that time comes and you need to find a home, we can talk. It would be good to keep her in the breeding population. I can't take another dog at this point until Tora is placed, but if it works out down the road....

Stacey living with Tora, Kazue, Ritsu and Kuma the Shibawww.suteishiikennels.com

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.

So much snow! Fionna's so pretty :) I love her pink nose. Is that Nami with her in the third photo down? That one's my favorite hahahah. I'm guessing she's going to your sister once you move. I hope we'll still get photos of her!

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.

Fionna should have smaller ears, per the standard, and I think her eyes should be set a bit more like Meitou's, but the head shape was different (Meitou's was larger and rounder, but Fionna's has a strong jaw and cheek compared to her muzzle) and the coat/texture was different. Fionna was almost Meitou's size, it seemed!

I liked him a lot. Between meeting Genko, Katana, and Meitou, I could see myself with a Hokkaido. :)

I liked him a lot. Between meeting Genko, Katana, and Meitou, I could see myself with a Hokkaido. :)

Yes, come over to the Dark Side. ;) But in all seriousness, I'm glad Meitou turned on his charm for the meetup. He really seemed to like Fionna. And so did I. I heart Fionna. :x She is the cutest treat-thief ever. She is welcome to jump on me and steal treats out of my treat pouch any time.

We also went to dinner on the ocean where we poked fun at the fancy restaurant we ate in. The food was delicious though.

Yeah, that place was great. I did feel a little weird going in there with my muddy boots on. And our dog-talk was probably unique, especially when we started talking about Meitou and Nami's humping behaviors. :P

I'm working on uploading the pictures I took so hopefully those will be posted soon. I love that picture of Meitou and Fionna standing next to one another. They are two good looking white dogs.

1 Human + 1 HokkaidoRIP Amy (Border Collie)

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.

I thought it was pretty cute, too. I was glad it turned out. Normally when I happen to catch a tongue-out picture the tongue is blurry. Luck was with me on this one.

1 Human + 1 HokkaidoRIP Amy (Border Collie)

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.

I have made the decision to start looking for a new home for Fionna. Since I haven't made an official-sounding post for her yet, I'll copy/paste my facebook status on the subject...

I need to seriously start looking for an alternate placement for Fionna. She is a great puppy and I love her to death. I don't actually want to let her go at this point, but I've done a lot of thinking about it and it might be what's best for her, for the breed, and for my current situation.

I want her to go to a home in the USA that will be open to keeping her intact. I would also like a home that will show her, involve her in sports, or hunt with her.

She has her basic obedience under her belt and is UTD on all vaccinations. She gets along well with other dogs. She is a little excitable meeting new people and barks when over-stimulated or confused. She is not a huge fan of children, but does well with children who are respectful. I hike with her off leash, but she may not do well off leash in a new home.

This is not "first come, first serve". I will take names of interested parties and find the best fit for her, just like I did with all of the puppies. If you are interested in the Kishu breed or have more questions, please shoot me a message. She will have a rehoming fee and the new owner will be expected to pay for transportation.

Fionna will be one year old on May 28th.

In addition, I am working on getting her NIPPO paperwork and registration in order. Once she has her NIPPO paperwork, she will be eligible for AKC-FSS registration through Carleen at the American Kishu Registry or by contacting Christine with the AKC-FSS. I can help with contacting either of these people for the AKC registration if the new home is interested. I am not sure what goes into UKC registration, but I would be willing to figure that out and help out in any way I can.

Some new pictures of Fionna:

ETA: If anyone is in the Washington/Oregon area and would like to meet Fionna or Nami (Kishu Ken), I will be at the St. Helens barn hunt on Saturday, the 11th. If I attend, but do not participate in the barn hunt, I may also bring TK, my Shikoku Ken.

I will vouch for Fionna's temperament. She is a sweet girl, an active girl and having met her a few times and hiked with her off leash for a few hours, she is a dog I could have on my team, doing what I do. She gets along well with my Kai and is comfortable socially with people and dogs and being in new places. At the dog show we went to, she was great with all the activity, and was happy being walked by my aunt and uncle (a very big guy) who came to see us. Fiona is a great little Kishu!

Fionna is a great dog. I love having her here with me... and it's difficult to make this decision when I've already had to make another difficult choice in leaving my older Malamute behind with my mother and grandmother when I moved westward... but I never intended to keep a puppy out of this litter and I think it's time to take that seriously.

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.

Nami's my gurl, but Fionna is my baby. I wasn't planning on keeping a pup from this litter, but I'm really happy that I got to watch her grow like I have... and she's certainly turned out to be a very nice young lady. :)

Ugh, I love Fionna. She is so adorable. She charmed me when she stole those treats from me on our hike.

1 Human + 1 HokkaidoRIP Amy (Border Collie)

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.

Can I request the picture of Fionna, Tavi, and Meitou on the hood on your Jeep?

1 Human + 1 HokkaidoRIP Amy (Border Collie)

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.

lol Meitou's tail looks so huge...The combined power of their cuteness is killing me. Gah! Too much adorable in one spot.

"By your powers combined...I am Captain Fabu-trio!" or...wait...

1 Human + 1 HokkaidoRIP Amy (Border Collie)

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.

Fionna <3<br />I thought about Fionna the other day while walking Meitou. We saw several roadkill squirrels and while Meitou ignored them I thought Fionna would have been all over those dead squirrels.

1 Human + 1 HokkaidoRIP Amy (Border Collie)

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.

I'll tell him. :)) Maybe he would have been all over them if they had been roadkill opossums.

1 Human + 1 HokkaidoRIP Amy (Border Collie)

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.

“Anyone can love a thing because. That's as easy as putting a penny in your pocket.But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” --Patrick Rothfuss, A Wise Man's Fear

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination." --Brandon Sanderson, the First Ideal from The Stormlight Archive.